During his first confirmation hearing, Robert F Kennedy Jr, selected by President Donald Trump as the US health secretary nominee, faced extensive questioning from senators concerning his stance on public health matters, including vaccination, abortion, and the US food industry.
Kennedy, known for his past vaccine skepticism, clarified his position on vaccines, emphasizing the importance of thorough safety studies. Despite past controversy over his comments, Kennedy attested that he supports the current childhood vaccination schedule and denied being a conspiracy theorist.
Throughout the hearing, Kennedy highlighted concerns about processed foods and their contribution to the nation's health issues, committing to addressing chemical additives in food and reducing conflicts of interest in relevant sectors to combat chronic diseases effectively.
Regarding abortion rights, Kennedy expressed nuanced views in response to questioning from senators from both parties. He defended individual state control over abortion access and pledged to uphold the president's policies, drawing criticism from some Democrats for his perceived shift on the issue.
Senators raised various inquiries based on their political affiliations, with Democrats focusing on Kennedy's controversial statements and Republicans emphasizing his efforts to improve child health and critique the food industry.
The hearing reflected sharp contrasts in perspectives, with Republicans like Senator Ron Johnson praising Kennedy, while Democrats like Senator Ron Wyden expressed skepticism and accused Kennedy of evasiveness. Senate committees continue to evaluate Kennedy's nomination, with further questioning and confirmation procedures ahead.